Carmi library preparing for changeover to new catalog system

It is the calm before the big changeover at the Carmi Public Library. The board met for a quick meeting Tuesday, March 5 as the facility prepares for the switchover to the new Polaris system in April, just in time for National Library Week April 14 - 19.Library director Stephanie Dennis reported circulation is running...

It is the calm before the big changeover at the Carmi Public Library. The board met for a quick meeting Tuesday, March 5 as the facility prepares for the switchover to the new Polaris system in April, just in time for National Library Week April 14 - 19.

Library director Stephanie Dennis reported circulation is running up from the previous month by approximately 200. She also noted they have had over 600 people either utilize the facility's computers or people who have brought in computers from home to use.

New computers have been installed for the library staff in preparation for the new card catalog system through the integrated library network. Connie Kisner, Kathleen Rister and Dennis recently attended cataloging workshops in the area.

Library members are also reminded there will be no holds taken for books beginning March 15. The new system will be implemented at this time and the system will be fully operational April 9.

Core Standards were discussed and Dennis noted several events are already in place for the coming 2013 year. The recent chocolate tasting event drew a total of 25 guests and the first story hour attracted 14 children. Two similar story hours are already set for March. Also, a book discussion group will be implemented during National Library Week.

Dennis is scheduled to attend a Small Public Library Management course in June. Denise Karns, director from the Norris City library, will also be attending the session in Springfield. The course is federally sponsored and attendance assists in applying for grants from the state.

A total of 1,161 books were donated from the family of Florence Mae Brown Allison. Most of the publications were about history or gardening. Both Kisner and Rister have been sorting and separating the books from the donation. The library staff is also working to offer an ongoing book sale during National Library Week, which will include books from the donation that cannot be offered on the shelves at the library.